The proposed fee schedule rule states that without congressional action, the sustainable growth rate (SGR) will cut payments to physicians by 27 percent. However, assuming Congress passes a fix, CMS estimates that dermatology will see a 1 percent drop in payments, faring better than many other non-primary-care specialties. The rule also includes proposed updates to the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS). At this time, Medicare is proposing to maintain the four dermatology-specific measures related to melanoma and biopsy-related care coordination in the 2013 PQRS program. AADA staff continues to analyze the proposed rule and will provide updates to members.

Aetna recently mailed a letter to all specialties other than dermatology to explain the timeline for implementation of its in-office pathology accreditation policy. Some dermatologists received letters about this policy change in error. If you suspect your practice may have received the wrong letter, or have questions about how Aetna’s in-office pathology policy applies to you, please call Aetna’s Senior Network Manager Tammy Gaul at (215) 775-2437 or fax correspondence to (860) 754-1740.

Dermatologists have a new resource for patients who ask questions about how to maintain smooth, shiny hair: The Academy’s “Tips for Healthy Hair” video. The video is part of the Dermatology A to Z: Video Series, which offers relatable videos that demonstrate tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair, and nails. Members are encouraged to share this video via Facebook and Twitter and embed it into their practice websites. The Academy’s Communications Department is available to address questions about how to share the video. Contact staff at (847) 330-0230 or email mediarelations@aad.org.

With drug shortages at an all-time high, members of Congress have proposed bipartisan legislation to address the issue, and the FDA is taking action to mitigate future shortages. Dermatology World takes a look at how this issue affects Academy members.

Registration open for 2012 Legislative Conference

Participants can learn more about the issues facing dermatology and meet with members of Congress to advocate for the specialty and its patients.

Summer Academy Meeting 2012 will be held Aug. 15-19 in Boston. New Update Platform sessions that cover medical dermatology, cosmetic and dermatologic surgery, pediatric dermatology, cutaneous oncology, and dermatopathology are among the many highlights at this year’s meeting.

Academy meetings are all a-Twitter!

The Academy Meeting News Twitter feed is a great way to share and receive meeting updates, news and opinions, and engage in discussions. Besides being able to access valuable meeting information, such as sessions and events, and special deals offered on AAD products, meeting attendees can share their experiences with others using the meeting hashtag #AAD12. Make sure to follow @AADmtgs to get the latest information.

The AAD Awards for Young Investigators in Dermatology recognize outstanding research by dermatologists-in-training in the United States and Canada, and the educational institutions that support their efforts. Two young investigators will be selected as recipients, and each winner will receive an engraved plaque and a $6,000 prize that is shared between the investigator and the nominating residency program on a 50/50 basis. Nominations are being accepted until Sept. 30.

AAD and AAD Association councils, committees, and task forces appointment application now available

Millions of people get head lice each year. To help members educate patients about how to treat and prevent infestations, the Academy recently added content on this topic to its Dermatology A to Z patient education section on AAD.org.